Memories Of The Roeside

Fond scenes of my childhood,
Long years ago, surface often in my memory
As vivid as snow: the Mullagh, the Dogleap,
The ‘wet wood’ and ‘the dry’- those memories
Of the Roeside bringing tears to my eyes.

And where are the friends of those days of yore?
Do they share similar memories which I have
In store? Memories of the Marshfield, The
Old Wireless Lane, Nicholl’s Brae, The
Flat, and the high Rock of Kane?

Do they recall the summers by the Wee Rock
Near the Mill, or the sports along The Avenue
With many a thrill? And what of the ‘characters’-
Ah, too many to relate; it being my good fortune
To share partly their fate…

Oh, these memories of childhood, of schooldays,
Of youth, I cling to like life, as precious as  truth.
And To those still living, my friends of the Roe,
I raise you a toast to times long ago.